

Obituary of Richard Daniel Waters, 91.
– Richard Waters was born in Dublin, Georgia to James and Magnora Waters on July 20, 1933. Richard was the oldest of six children. As a young man Richard moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where he met and married his late wife Dneva Waters (Harris) in 1953. That same year Richard enlisted/drafted into the U.S. Army where he served for two years in the Korean War. Upon his return from service, he met his daughter Vicki who was already a year and half old. He retired from the Department of Water and Power of Los Angeles after 32 years of service.
From 1962-2005, the family resided in Los Angeles, California, and neighboring counties. They moved to Atascadero, California in 2005 until his passing. Richard and Dneva were members of Second Baptist Church of Paso Robles, California. He was very active in the church, volunteering for 12 years.
The Waters served as Deacon and Deaconess until their health prevented them from attending on a regular basis. He was an avid sports fan who loved everything Los Angeles to include Dodgers, Raiders/Rams, and Lakers. He spent many years supporting his grandson, Micheal’s basketball trajectory from middle school through college, he never missed a game.
Richard was charismatic, humorous, and practical. He was earnest with a big heart and not afraid to offer his wisdom to family, friends or perfect strangers. The phrase “he never met a stranger” truly resonated with him as he could start a conversation with anyone and have them engaged as if they knew him for years. He told the best stories and was a proud veteran.
Richard always kept his word and was known to say, “Word is Bond!” Throughout the years, he provided life advice for many nieces and nephews, who looked up to him as Uncle Rich, the “super uncle”, individually he made everyone feel special.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 70 years, Dneva Waters, daughter Vicki Waters, grandson Joel Micheal Anderson II, and brother Ossie Waters.
He is survived by his siblings Larry (Jennett) Waters, Betty Maddox Laurence (Lola) Wright, and Debra (Nathaniel) Godfrey of Dublin, GA, Jonetta Fry of Macon, GA; sister-in-law, Mildred Grant, Pomona, CA and brother-in-law, Martin Latimore Sr., Steelton, PA. His dedicated nephew Martin Grant, Sr., great-niece Markesha Tatum, a host of caring nieces, nephews, god-children, and church family.
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